Bill grants union-style rules for domestic workers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. 
Gov. Jerry Brown will consider a bill that would give nannies, housekeepers and other domestic workers an array of rights.

The bill passed the Assembly 42-27 Thursday after a partisan debate over unintended consequences.

Among other things, AB889 would give domestic workers the right to overtime, meal breaks, and, in the case of live-in workers, compensation for interrupted sleep.

Republicans questioned the bill's feasibility and the potential for average families to face legal liabilities. Its author, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, said regulatory details would be worked out later by the state Department of Industrial Relations.

The San Francisco Democrat has said the rules recognize the dignity of domestic workers. The bill has attracted nationwide attention and an endorsement from comedian Amy Poehler.